CPRS Training Program
& CPRS Webinars

CPRS Training Program

Want to turn lived experience into a career helping others? Voices of Hope offers CPRS training and webinars to help you work toward Maryland CPRS certification.

For basic information on the process to become a Maryland Peer Recovery Support Specialist, watch this video:

What is a CPRS?

A Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS) is someone who uses lived experience (their own recovery journey, or supporting a loved one) to help others. CPRS staff support people facing substance use and/or behavioral health challenges with hope, practical guidance, and zero judgment.

At Voices of Hope, peers use approaches like motivational interviewing to meet people where they are—whether they’re still using, thinking about change, entering treatment, or already in recovery.

Who this program is for:

This program is for people who want to work in peer support and are ready to take steps toward CPRS certification in Maryland.

In general, CPRS applicants must:

  • Be 18+

  • Have a high school diploma or GED

  • Live or work in Maryland at least 51% of the time

  • Have 2+ years of continuous recovery (substance use and/or mental health)

    • OR be a qualifying family member or ally with relevant lived experience

Not sure if you qualify? Reach out—we’ll help you understand your options.

What you need for Maryland CPRS certification

You must complete these requirements:

1) Training Hours (50 total)

You need 50 hours of approved training across five required categories (“domains”):

  • Advocacy — 10 hours

  • Ethics — 16 hours

  • Mentoring & Education — 10 hours

  • Recovery & Wellness — 10 hours

  • Harm Reduction — 4 hours

Important: You must complete all five domains (not just 50 hours total).

2) Peer Work Hours (500 total)

You need 500 hours of peer-related work (paid or volunteer), plus documentation (like a service letter on official letterhead).

3) Supervision Hours (30 total)

You need 30 hours of supervision from a Registered Peer Supervisor (RPS).

  • A common approach is 5 hours in each domain, plus general professional support (like self-care, time management, and documentation).

  • Start by asking your employer if they have an RPS (Registered Peer Supervisor), or search the Maryland board’s supervisor list.

  • Voices of Hope offers group supervision sessions called Mentorship Moments.

4) Pass the CPRS Exam

The CPRS exam is offered by IC&RC (not Voices of Hope). When you enroll in our program, we include personalized exam prep and pay the exam fee, and we’ll help you schedule your test when you’re eligible.

Is Voices of Hope an Approved Training Provider?

Yes. Voices of Hope is an approved training provider through the Maryland Board (MABPCB). Many of our trainings count toward CPRS requirements.

Training & webinars we offer:

We offer a mix of:

  • CPRS-required trainings (by category/domain)

  • Skill-building workshops

  • Free webinars (as available)

Topics may include Recovery Coach Academy, Ethics, Continuum of Care/Systems Navigation, Harm Reduction, Professionalism, and more.

 FAQs

 
  • No. RCA gives you some hours, but it does not cover all CEUs in every Domain required for CPRS certification. You’ll still need additional trainings to complete all five categories (domains).

  • Often, yes—paid or intern peer work in clinical/community settings can count (with the right documentation). If you’re not employed, we can advise on internship options.

  • It depends on your schedule and when you complete hours and supervision. Many learners finish in about 6-9 months.

  • Maybe. Each state has its own rules. Contact the certification board in the state you’re moving to and ask about reciprocity.

  • Because CEUs must be in the correct amounts inside each domain. You can have 50 hours total and still be missing required hours in one or more Domains (like Harm Reduction or Ethics).

  • Recertification rules can change and may have limits on repeating identical trainings. If you’re renewing, we recommend choosing updated or advanced ethics content when possible.

    If you’re unsure, we can help you double-check what will count.

  • For VoH-owned webinars and trainings, after you have attended a training, you’ll complete a post-test via VoH, then an eval via VoH Protraxx; certificates are released after that. CCAR courses appear in CCAR Protraxx.

  • The program cost is roughly $2,590. But many participants do not pay out of pocket because they use Workforce (WIOA) funding, employer sponsorship, or grant support.

    Fill out the interest form to see what you may be eligible for.

  • Here’s the usual process:

    1. Register with your local American Job Center

    2. Attend their orientation/intake process

    3. Meet with a career counselor and request funding for Voices of Hope CPRS Training

    4. Once approved, send your funding verification to Voices of Hope to complete enrollment

  • Yes. While funding is processing, you can attend free webinars/open trainings when available.
    After you submit the Interest Form, you’ll be added to our training email list so you can see what opens up. (Seats can fill, so nothing is guaranteed until you’re fully enrolled.)

  • Some employers will pay for your CPRS training. Ask your supervisor or HR department if your workplace will sponsor you. If they can’t, we’ll guide you to other funding options like Workforce (WIOA).Yes—some employers fund certification training. If you’re employed, ask your HR department; otherwise, we’ll direct you to American Job Centers for WIOA funding pathways.

  • Many sessions are held live on Zoom.

    To participate, you will typically need:

    • a computer or tablet (not a phone)

    • reliable internet

    • a working camera and microphone

    You may be required to keep your camera on and stay engaged to receive credit.

  • Because CPRS training hours must meet certification standards, missed time can affect credit.

    If you miss a session, contact us as soon as possible so we can help you understand next steps.

  • If funding doesn’t work out the first time, don’t give up. Eligibility varies by location and program.

    You can:

    • try another job center or funding program,

    • ask your employer about sponsorship,

    • and contact Voices of Hope for guidance on alternative options.

    Fill out the interest form for options of opportunities you may be eligible for.

Ready to Get Started?

Next step: Complete our interest form to receive training updates and enrollment guidance.

(*you will receive an email within 1 business day with where to start)

Click the button below to fill out the form.

For any inquiries that you may have, that are not in our FAQ, please feel free to book a call or a meet with our Training Program Coordinator
Thank you!

CPRS Webinars

Voices of Hope Webinars

These recorded webinars help CPRS/CHW students earn extra CEUs. Webinars are available to students in Maryland.. Questions? Email info@voicesofhopemaryland.org

(NOTE: The MABPCB will only accept up to 5 CEUs of recorded webinar trainings per certification or recertification.)


Advocacy in Peer Recovery Work Webinar: 1 CEU in Advocacy Domain

Learn the basics of advocacy in peer recovery work. After the webinar, click on the link in the comments to take the quiz to earn 1 CEU.

(Please follow instructions in Protraxx to receive your certificate).


Harm Reduction in Peer Work Webinar: 1 CEU in Harm Reduction Domain

Learn key harm reduction job tasks and why harm reduction matters in a peer role. After the webinar, you can click on the link in the comments to take the quiz to earn 1 CEU.

(Please follow instructions in Protraxx to receive your certificate).

Ethical Principles for CPRS’s: 1 CEU in Ethical Responsibilities Domain

Covers ethical principles, guidelines, and how to make ethical decisions in peer work. After the webinar, click on the link in the comments to take the quiz to earn 1 CEU.

(Please follow instructions in Protraxx to receive your certificate).


Peer Support for Family & Friends Webinar: .5 CEU in Advocacy & .5 CEU in Mentoring/Education

Core skills for supporting families: empathy, boundaries, stigma reduction, communication, and connecting to resources. After the webinar, click on the link in the comments to take the quiz to earn 1 CEU.

(Please follow instructions in Protraxx to receive your certificate).

Mentoring & Education in Peer Work Webinar: 1 CEU in Mentoring & Education Domain

Learn the mentoring/education job tasks and why mentorship matters in peer work. After the webinar, you can click on the link in the comments to take the quiz to earn 1 CEU.

(Please follow instructions in Protraxx to receive your certificate).


Doula: Navigating End of Life Webinar: 1 CEU in Advocacy Domain

A community training on approaching end-of-life topics with compassion, grief awareness, and advocacy for dignity in dying. After the webinar, you can click on the link in the video description to take the quiz to earn 1 CEU.

(Please follow instructions in Protraxx to receive your certificate).